Vermilion Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,838 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you want adventure? Check out Vermilion Pass in Montana's Sanders County. We're talking a rugged, gravel 4x4 track – NF-367, aka Graves Creek Road – that tops out at a cool 6,030 feet.
Now, heads up: this isn’t a Sunday drive. Keep an eye on the weather. Seriously. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and slick ice patches can pop up out of nowhere. Expect a bit of rock and mud too, just to keep things interesting. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be rewarded with some killer scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,838 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateCaminos del Cobre
🇲🇽 Mexico
Hey fellow adventurers! Wanna escape the ordinary? Then you HAVE to check out Caminos del Cobre, north of Zacatecas states, Mexico! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rugged, mountainous dirt and rocky road connecting Concepción del Oro and Salaverna. Think epic views! Seriously, get ready for mind-blowing vistas of sprawling deserts and deep valleys. Plus, you'll stumble upon cool abandoned mines, old churches, and mysterious ruins. The road climbs up to a lofty 2,820 meters above sea level, so be prepared for some altitude. A 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended – trust me, you'll need it! This one is all about the journey, not just the destination!
hardWindy Gap
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Windy Gap! This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up in Montezuma County, Colorado, clocking in at a whopping 11,004 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled within the stunning La Plata Mountains. Heads up: Road 350 isn't your average scenic cruise. Expect gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps along the way. Seriously, one wrong move and you could be in trouble. The road conditions are always changing, and winter likes to hang around here, so aim for a mid-summer adventure if you can. Word to the wise: scout ahead! Don't commit to anything until you're sure you can handle it – things can quickly go from tricky to terrifying. A 4x4 is a MUST. You'll need mad driving skills, patience, and a strong stomach for heights. Keep an eye out for places to pull over, because you might meet oncoming traffic in some seriously inconvenient spots. Trust me, this ain't your typical Sunday drive!
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Negrito Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Negrito Mountain in New Mexico's Catron County. Deep in the Gila National Forest, you'll find this beauty topping out at 8,595 feet. The road up? Forest Road 512. It's a dirt road adventure, so definitely bring your 4x4. This trip is best saved for summer when the weather's playing nice. At the peak, you're rewarded with a lookout tower and views that'll make your jaw drop. The climb up from Bursum Road is short and sweet – just under a mile. It might be a little steep in sections, with an average gradient of around 5%, but trust me, the payoff is HUGE. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
moderateAn awe-inspiring road to Mount Rose Summit in Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Mount Rose Summit, a real stunner sitting pretty at 8,923 feet in Washoe County, Nevada, practically hugging the California border! Named after an early settler, Jacob S. Rose, this spot is a must-see. You'll cruise along State Route 431, also known as Mount Rose Highway or the Mt. Rose Scenic Drive—all 24.3 miles of it winding from Reno to Lake Tahoe. The road's fully paved, so no worries about needing a special vehicle. Get ready for some hairpin curves on both sides of the summit and a few steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 9%. Nestled high in the Carson Range, those mountains east of Lake Tahoe, this pass is usually open year-round—though winter can throw a curveball with occasional closures. We're talking up to 400 inches of snow! If you're tackling this route in winter, keep an eye on the weather. Snow tires and chains are often a must. But the real draw? The views! Alpine lakes, waterfalls, and those unforgettable Lake Tahoe vistas. The summit itself lords over northern Lake Tahoe and the Reno area. Expect company in summer, especially on weekends. You'll be treated to sights of Washoe Valley, Washoe Lake, Lake Tahoe Basin, and those majestic Sierra peaks. And the Mount Rose Summit Parking Area? It's perched at a cool 8,911 feet!